Frigate retirements could cripple drug interdiction efforts. Just another DOD budget ploy?

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 03:57:28 -0400

Frigates are, hands-down, the heavy hitter in the Navy's fight to stop drug traffickers at sea. They nabbed 98 percent of the 164 metric tons of cocaine, valued at $3.2 billion, that Navy ships have seized in the last five years.

But the frigates' service coming to an end this summer, which could cripple drug interdiction efforts in the coming year. That's why planners are scrambling to assemble a hodgepodge of auxiliary ships to take on the mission until the littoral combat ships arrive in sufficient numbers.

Frigates were involved in "the vast majority" of Navy interdictions over the past five years, said Capt. Juan Hogan, deputy director of the 4th Fleet Maritime Operations Center. According his figures, Oliver Hazard Perry-class ships were also responsible for 76 percent of the 26,000 pounds of marijuana seized.

http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2015/06/13/loss-of-frigates-threatens-war-on-drugs/71086006/

Frigate retirements likely to hamper drug busts at sea

The retirement of frigates could cripple drug interdiction efforts, so planners are assembling a hodgepodge of auxiliary ships until the LCS arrives.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 15 at 2015 4:42 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 04:42:45 -0400

I say typical government thinking. The more useful something is, the more likely it will be the first thing cut from the budget. But in other news, the cost of cocaine has plummeted to an all time low due to its abundance on the market. I think I'm getting a hang of this political thinking.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jun 15 at 2015 12:25 PM

1LT William Clardy — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 12:25:19 -0400

When did drug interdiction become a primary Navy mission?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 12:35 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 12:35:57 -0400

The agenda is in full effect, let's try solicalism even if it failed in the rest of the world

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 15 at 2015 1:46 PM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 13:46:11 -0400

When it comes to these types of operations, I thought the Coast Guard were often deployed on a Navy ship, and they comprise the boarding teams.

If that is the case, the Coasties can just use their own ships (sorry, "Cutters").

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 15 at 2015 1:47 PM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 13:47:31 -0400

Besides, if the war on drugs is ended these types of operations will become obsolete!

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Jun 15 at 2015 3:02 PM

LTJG Robert M. — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 15:02:06 -0400

Two Points:
1. Drug Interdiction is a role of the USCG
2. USCG LEDET Units are deployed on Naval Assets to extend the LEO Platform beyond the limited scope of the USCG Fleet.
Collaboration in this Cross Service platform has been active since I was Stationed Shipboard in the early 80's

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jun 16 at 2015 8:33 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 08:33:19 -0400

I don't see it as a problem. The Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) have been recently re-designated as FF. They are a perfect platform for drug interdiction... On the other hand, should we continue doing drug interdiction? I did a six month counter-narcotics deployment on USS LONG BEACH. We were involved in lots of busts but it made no difference on street price. It was just "spoilage" in their business plan. SO, is it really worth it? Wouldn't strengthening our borders be more effective?